Dhan Dhan Guru De Pyarai
Daughter of Sri Guru Gobind Sahib Ji
Daughter of Mata Sahib Kaur Ji
Fearless Warriors
Courageous Mothers
Determined Daughters
They suffered great in-humane tortures
Watch their children bleed to death
Witnessed the brutal murder of their husbands
Yet, they fought for freedom and faith
Remembered Guru Ji in every breath
And were an Inspiration to all Sikhs
We are a Kaur Princess
We are a Brave Lioness
We are the Daughters of the Khalsa

Daughters of the Khalsa

Thursday, February 09, 2006A Singhnee's Battle

...Learn how a Sikh woman is willing enough to risk her own life just to visit Sri Harmandir Sahib...

Two persons (Kaura Mal and Surat Singh) hurried to Amritsar and reaching there informed the organizers that Lakhpat was determined to order mass-massacre of the Sikhs. Anyone who went to Sri Harmandir Sahib for the Sikh celebrations would be killed. Therefore no one should enter Sri Harmandir Sahib the next day. Then they posted their men outside the city on the highways, so that they might turn back any Sikh who wanted to enter the city on the plea that entry to the Sri Harmandir Sahib had been officially banned. While the religious-minded leaders accomplished the task of warning the people, Lahkhpat, on the other hand, stealthily posted a large number of spies around the temple.He sat on the balcony of a nearby building and waited for the further developments.Early next morning, Diwan Kaura Mal and Surat Singh rode towards the temple to see what Lakhpat had decided to do, and when they approached the temple, the blissful music of the songs of the devoted Sikhs and their women singing, fell gently like rain in their ears. Both the Diwans were distressed, as they knew Lakhpat’s evil plans. At the same time, they wondered what stuff these Sikhs are made of. They fear not death. Their faith is firm. But the pity is that Lakhu is determined to bathe in the blood of these brave men.

Reflecting for a while, these two men tied their horses and turned towards the tents. They were now near the gateway of the temple, when they saw a young woman whose beauty rivaled the full moon....

She had a soiled round cloth (Dastaar) on her head and a nine-year old child holding her fingers beside her. Both were reciting Gurbani (prayers).Advancing towards them Diwan Kaura Mal asked them: “Where are you going?”Singhnee (bowing towards them with folded hands): “We are going to Sri Darbar Sahib.” Surat Singh’s face was flushed with indignation and he asked them:“From where have you come from? Did no one stop you from coming here?”With great confidence the Singhnee answered:“I am coming from Tung. Two men met me on the way and told me not to go to the temple, for we would be killed. So I turned back and changed my route and have come back here stealthily through the fields.”Diwan Kaura Mal:“Do you want to live?”Singhnee:“There is nothing dearer than one’s life, but ultimately it will also come to an end. Faith will outlive life. Therefore, it is not proper to sacrifice one’s faith for preserving one’s life.”Surat Singh:“If you would not have come to the temple, your religion would not have been endangered.”Singhnee:“Sir, to keep away on this Gurpurb celebration from the sight of the Guru is despicable. Where else can I find refuge? I do not care for my life, for it will not last long and will ultimately part my company, but my religion will be with me forever. When all others leave me, my faith will abide with me.”Surat Singh:“O Lady! How come you have so much courage? Your youth is meant for enjoying comforts. Why have you become so deeply religious- to the point of renunciation- at this age?”Singhnee:“Guru Sahib has caught me by the arm and made me His devotee. Well, I know nothing, yet the murder of Harikirat Singh is fresh in my mind.”Kaura Mal:“That poor fellow was also killed. He is dead and gone.” Singhnee:“My God! Do the saints ever die? They return to their homes. Who of Woman born can kill the Saints?”Kaura Mal: “Well, are you still bent upon going to Sri Harmandir Sahib?”Lady: “As the Lord Wills!”Kaura Mal: “Why are you not accompanied by you husband?”Singhnee:“Sir, he is dead and gone to Sachkhand (God’s Abode).”Surat Singh:“Lady, listen to us and go back and save your skin and that of your child. Lakhpat is sitting over there and he will never let you go back alive!”Singhnee:“Well, you keep away.”Surat Singh: “Have you no pity for this child?”Singhnee:“I have compassion for him and therefore I have brought him with myself, otherwise I could have left him at home. I thought I should not go to Sachkhand alone; I should take a part and parcel of myself also to that holy place. After my death, possibly he may give up his faith as he is of a tender age.”Kaura Mal:“O God! It is marvellous! What is that stuff of which the hearts of Sikhs are made of? O the pity of it. Will Lakhpat really kill these pious people?”Singhnee:“This is the blessing of Amrit (Sikh baptism) and the Grace of the Guru. If you love the Sikhs so much as appears from your actions, then please prevent Lakhpat from committing this sin, and fight against him. If there is any problem, inform the Khalsa (God’s Army) living in any of the nearby jungles.”This appealed to the two Diwans very much. They could not prevent the Singhnee from attending the celebrations which she felt was right. She began reciting her prayers and proceeded to Sri Harmandir Sahib (House of God)....

I recommend Bhai Vir Singh jee's other novels like "Satwant Kaur", "Bijay Singh" and "Baba Naudh Singh". The amazing writing style of Bhai Vir Singh jee is unique. Translating them into English is good; but if we want to relish the real essence of Bhai Vir Singh jee's novels then we should read them in Gurmukhi.

waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ki fateh

P.S. - It was my third,final and successful attempt to post this comment. I gave up in the morning after two successive failures.